WrestleMania 42 plans were originally centered around a high-profile singles match between Randy Orton and former champion Malakai Black. The two performers had built anticipation for a potential encounter following several weeks of intense television exchanges, culminating in an in-ring collision during the February 20, 2026, episode of SmackDown.
Ultimately, WWE creative shifted focus, moving Orton into a main event Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes. As a result of this pivot, Malakai Black was left off the final WrestleMania 42 match card. Reflecting on the lost opportunity, Black noted that a specific smoking jacket he debuted at PROGRESS Wrestling had been intended for his WrestleMania appearance, remarking, “Obviously, that never saw the light.”
Black, who currently serves as the Progress Men’s World Champion after defeating Cara Noir, spoke candidly during an appearance on ZELVX and CHARLIE GIRL with Xelina and Charlie about his most recent stint with the company. He characterized the run as a “dud,” explaining that while leadership had promised him a “mountain of things,” those creative initiatives never materialized. The report also notes that obviously, that never saw the light” – Randy Orton Was Originally Supposed To Face 41-Year-Old Former Champion At WrestleMania Instead Of Cody Rhodes.
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